Thousands expected to march against climate change

Submitted by FOEAdmin on Wed, 30/11/2005 - 00:49

November 29, 2005

Thousands of Sydneysiders are expected to turn out on Saturday to walk against global warming.

“Church groups, unions, child care centres, bicycle clubs, resident’s action groups, local councils and environment groups are all preparing for what should be the biggest day of protest about climate change in Australian history,” Melinda Cook, Climate coordinator for the Nature Conservation Council NSW said today.

“Thousands of people are expected to march in Sydney alone, and there are events in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Cairns, Darwin, Armidale, Coonabarabran, Mudgee, Parramatta, Moruya and Nambucca Heads to name a few.

“It will be a fun colourful day, with large windmills and suns and a ten metre banner saying “Our Kyoto Protocol” for people to sign and make a commitment to solving climate change.

“Parents are bringing babies, residents groups are making banners and bicycle groups are painting their bodies.

“The bands Waiting for Guinness and Fourplay will entertain the crowds. There will be stalls for people wanting to switch to green power and buy energy efficient products.

“Climate change is a widely and deeply felt concern in the community. Now people have the opportunity to take to the streets and demand government action.

“Originations who have got behind the day include the NSW Nature Conservation Council, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Unions NSW, Catholic Earthcare, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Bicycle NSW, and the Climate Action Network Australia, as well as environment groups from other states.

“Walk Against Warming is an international day of action timed to coincide with the first meeting of the signatories to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal this December,” Ms Cook said.